ENERGY EFFICIENT HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE

Read our other publications:
HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE
ENERGY EFFICIENT
A Detailed Guide to Insulating Your Home
A Detailed Guide to Home Heating Systems
Your Guide to Renovating Your Home
Your Guide to Building an Energy Efficient Home
Your Guide to Renewable Energy
A Consumer Guide to Sustainable Energy
Sustainable Energy Ireland is funded by the
Irish government under the National Development
Plan 2000-2006 with programmes part financed by
the European Union.
SEI, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
tel: +353 1 836 9080
fax: +353 1 837 2848
www.sei.ie
info@sei.ie
SEI InfoLine
8 to 8, Mon to Fri, 1850-376 666
The energy for life…
Who is Sustainable Energy Ireland?
Energy is essential to our daily lives. It heats our homes, fuels our transport and supplies
our electricity. At the moment, most of the energy we use comes from fossil fuels such as
oil, gas, coal and peat. Unfortunately there is a limited supply of fossil fuels in the world
and we are using them up at a very fast rate. The other downside to fossil fuels is that
burning them for energy also produces CO2 , a greenhouse gas, which causes climate
change. That’s where sustainable energy comes in.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) was set up by the government in 2002 as Ireland’s
national energy agency with a mission to promote and assist the development of
sustainable energy. SEI’s activities can be divided into two main areas:
•
Energy Use - Energy is vital to how we live our daily lives but most of us don’t use
energy as efficiently as we could. By assisting those who use energy (mainly
industry, businesses and householders), to be more energy efficient, SEI can help
to reduce the amount of energy we use overall.
•
Renewable Energy - Energy that is generated from renewable sources such as
wind and solar power is clean and doesn’t produce harmful greenhouse gases.
By promoting the development and wider use of renewable energy in Ireland
SEI can help to further benefit the environment, in particular reducing the threat
of climate change.
So what is sustainable energy?
Sustainable energy refers to a way we can generate and use energy that is more efficient
and less harmful to the environment. Another way of explaining sustainable energy is
that it will allow us to meet our present energy needs without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs. We can do this by being more efficient in
how we use energy in our daily lives and also by increasing the amount of energy that
we get from renewable sources such as the wind, the sun, rivers and oceans.
SEI is also involved in other activities such as stimulating research and development,
advising on energy policy and publishing energy statistics.
What are the benefits of sustainable energy?
The good news is that being sustainable in how you use energy has immediate benefits:
•
•
•
Sustainable Energy Ireland is funded by the National Development Plan 2000-2006
with programmes part financed by the European Union.
It will save you money on your electricity and heating bills
Your home will be more comfortable and convenient
And you will also be making a vital contribution to reducing climate change
Believe it or not, the small actions you take to be more energy efficient in your home can
have a very significant impact on improving the environment. The collective efforts of
individuals can often be the most powerful of all.
Did you know…
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•
Energy use is responsible for two-thirds of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
•
Irish homes use around a quarter of all energy used in the country– that’s even
more than industry.
•
The average home consumes almost 40% more electricity than it did in 1990.
•
Renewable energy currently accounts for just 2% of Ireland’s energy supply.
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Home Energy Survey
The home is one of the largest users of energy in Ireland. It accounts for almost one
third of the energy used in the country. Although energy is vital in our everyday
lives, there are ways we can reduce the amount we use. This leaflet provides some
practical advice on improving the energy efficiency of your home.
The Home Energy Survey
This "Home Energy Survey" will walk you through your house, room-by-room,
identifying home improvement projects that will deliver the greatest energy
savings and reduce your bills most effectively.
Often there will be more than one recommendation, so compare the "pay-back
period" of each option. In other words how long it takes to recoup your initial outlay.
First it makes sense to complete the projects that quickly pay for themselves. But
remember that other projects, which pay for themselves more slowly, might have
non-monetary advantages such as increased comfort, security, and noise reduction.
1
Without adequate attic insulation you
are losing energy and money through
your roof.
•
The most rewarding way to conduct the Home Energy Survey is to examine each
area of your home, as shown in the following pages. The exact payback period for
particular projects will vary depending on the age, type and style of your house, so
we have provided indicative cost (m) and payback ratings (★). The outlined
recommendations can easily be modified to suit any home.
There is also an ‘Energy Saving Measure by Cost’ summary at the back of this
brochure, covering zero-cost, low-cost, medium cost and long term measures that
are available to you.
Capital Cost Rating System
Pay Back Periods Rating System
Approx Capital Cost
Rating
0 – Nil
★★★★ Typical Pay-Back in less than 6 months
m – m1-m40
★★★
Typical Pay-Back in less than 1 year
mm – m40-m200
★★
Typical Pay-Back in less than 3 years
mmm – m200+
★
Typical Pay-Back in less than 5 years
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Description
Attic
•
If your attic insulation is currently
less than 250 mm, you should add
further layers. There are a variety of
suitable
materials
including
mineral wool, rock wool, sheep’s
wool, polystyrene, cellulose fibre
and multi-layered foil. The water
tank and pipes should also be
insulated to prevent freezing. The
area under the cold water tank
should not be insulated.
(mmm / ★★)
Check the attic hatch or door for
cold draughts and, if required, seal
with draught proofing to prevent
heat escaping. (m / ★★★★)
2
Bathroom
The bathroom is generally where the
largest quantity of hot water is used so
there are good opportunities for
energy savings.
•
A thermostatic mixing valve can be
used to set the water at the same
temperature, every time the shower
is turned on. (mm / ★★★)
•
Consider fitting a spray tap. It
delivers as little as a cup of water for
every half a bucket that an ordinary
tap delivers, but still allows you to
wash in the same way. (mm / ★★★)
•
Taking a shower rather than a bath
uses only a fifth of the energy.
(0 / ★★★★)
•
Never leave hot water running
unnecessarily. (0 / ★★★★)
•
Generate hot water only when it’s
required and store hot water
efficiently. (0 / ★★★★)
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3
Hot Press
It is wasteful and ineffective to leave a
hot water cylinder uninsulated just so
as it can contribute to the home
heating.
• The cylinder should always be
lagged to minimise heat loss and
keep the water hot for as long as
possible. It is better still if the
water cylinder has factory-applied
insulation. (m / ★★★★)
• If your hot water is being heated by
the central heating boiler, you should
fit a cylinder thermostat to moderate
the temperature. (mm / ★★)
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Bedrooms
Lighting levels in the bedrooms are
generally lower than other parts of the
house, and often only used
intermittently. Heating control is
important
because,
although
unoccupied during the day, the
room should be at a comfortable
temperature by bedtime.
• Low wattage CFLs can be used to
replace existing bulbs. (m / ★★)
• Radiators in bedrooms should be
turned off when the rooms are not in
use. (0 / ★★★★)
• A radiator thermostat can prove
more efficient and more comfortable
too, and can be used throughout
the house. (mm / ★★★).
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Kitchen and Utility Rooms
The kitchen and utility rooms tend to
be where most electricity is used. The
lighting requirements are often at their
highest in this area of the house and
the large number of appliances
typically consume the greatest energy.
•
• When purchasing a washer, dryer,
*fridge, freezer, dishwasher or oven,
look for the energy label. Purchase A
or B rated appliances where possible.
(mmm / Variable)
iii.
ii.
iv.
v.
• Fluorescent tubes are considerably
more energy efficient than
traditional tungsten filament bulbs,
particularly the newer slim 26 mm
tubes. (mm / ★★★)
• Where fluorescent tubes are not
suitable install CFLs. (m / ★★★)
• A thermostatic radiator valve on the
kitchen radiator will allow the heat
output to be varied on demand.
(mm / ★★)
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i.
vi.
vii.
Energy can also be saved by using
existing appliances correctly. For
example:
Never under or overload appliances
i.e. dishwashers, washing machines
Lower temperature washes save
energy
Microwave ovens and pressure
cookers use less energy than
conventional ovens
Use pots and pans that cover the
whole of the cooker ring
Only fill the kettle with the water
you need
Use the toaster rather than the grill
Keep fridges and freezers away
from cookers/ovens and direct
sunlight. Defrost regularly, to save
energy and extend the operating
life, and avoid putting hot or warm
food directly in the fridge.
(0 / ★★★)
* As of 31st December 2004 all fridges
on display in shops must be labelled
with a new energy rating: A++, A+, A, B,
C,where A++ is the most efficient rating.
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6
Living Room and Dining Room
Where possible adjust lighting in the
living and dining rooms as appropriate.
The level of heating required for these
rooms is usually high compared to other
areas of the house.
• If required, choose occasional electric
heaters that are fitted with a
thermostatic control to maintain
optimum comfort at minimum energy
use. (m / ★★★★)
• Use CFLs or dimmer switches (though
not together) to achieve appropriate
lighting levels. (m / ★★★)
• An efficient heating system will
provide significantly more heat than
an open or fuel-effect fire, which lose
up to 85% of their energy up the
chimney. (mm / ★★★★)
• Unplug or turn off electrical
equipment such as TVs, videos/DVDs,
Hi-Fi and computers when not in use,
as they use energy even when they are
on ‘standby’. In fact all lights and
appliances should be switched off
when not in use. (0 / ★★★★)
• Thermostatic radiator valves keep
rooms at a constant and comfortable
temperature and are very effective in
rooms with other heat sources, such as
open fires. (mm / ★★★)
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7
Hall, Stairs and
Landing
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Boiler and
Controls
Lighting is generally left on for long
periods and only background heating
is required.
• A time clock limits the running time of
your heating system,thereby reducing
wasteful use of energy. (mm / ★★★)
• This is an ideal location for CFLs to be
installed. (0 / ★★★)
• The thermostat, controlling the heat
output from the boiler to the house,
should be installed in an area that is
indicative of the general heat
conditions of the house. Remember, a
reduction of 1oC on your thermostat
can reduce annual space heating costs
by 10%. (mm / ★★)
• If the radiator is already fitted with a
thermostatic radiator valve, find the
lowest setting that will provide a
comfortable level of heating.
(0 / ★★★★)
• If there is no thermostatic radiator
valve it is worth considering having
one installed. (mm / ★★)
• If your hall door or letterbox allow
draughts in during winter, they
should be draught-proofed.
(m / ★★★★)
• You should have your boiler
professionally serviced at least once a
year. (mm / ★★★)
• If you have an old central heating
control system it may be worth
installing a new one. (mm / ★★★)
• Optional Boiler Controls:
- A weather compensation system
regulates the heating system based
on both indoor and outdoor
temperatures. (mmm / ★★)
- An optimiser is an intelligent control
that also reads indoor and outdoor
temperatures. It then switches on the
heating for the shortest possible time
to provide the ideal level of comfort.
(mmm / ★★)
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Calculating your Energy Savings
By calculating exactly how much energy you’re using at present, you can easily track
the savings you make for each project you undertake. To do this, divide your energy
usage into two separate categories: electrical energy and energy for heating.
Calculating your Electrical Consumption and Costs
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General
As well as room specific opportunities to
reduce energy usage, here are some
other general recommendations.
• All windows and external doors should
be checked for draughts and, if
necessary, draught proofed to reduce
heat loss.Remember to leave adequate
ventilation for fresh air particularly
where there are fuel burning
appliances in rooms.
(m / ★★★★)
• When replacing windows significant
energy savings can be achieved if you
choose
double
glazed
units,
particularly those with Argon fill and
low-emissivity glass.
There will be added benefits too:
- The comfort will be greatly increased
- Cold draughts will be reduced
- External noise will be substantially
reduced
- Condensation on windows will be either
eliminated or greatly reduced
(mmm / Variable)
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• Always close your curtains to save heat.
Lined curtains are better still.
• There are a number of ways in which
wall insulation can be increased and
improved. The payback period will
depend on a number of factors
including type, thickness and quality of
existing insulation. The most popular
types of insulation systems are,
(i) insulated dry lining, (ii) blown
mineral or cellulose fibre or
polystyrene beads in the cavity, and (iii)
rigid external insulation with render or
brick finish. Specialist advice should be
sought in all cases.
(mmm / Variable)
Collect your last six two-monthly ESB bills, covering a one-year period. Calculate
your electrical energy use by subtracting the "Previous" reading on the first bill from
the "Present" reading on the sixth bill. This gives you the total number of "units" of
electricity used in the year. These units stand for kilowatt-hours (sometimes
shortened to kWh), which are used for measuring energy use. To calculate your
electrical energy costs multiply cost per kWh, or "unit", i.e. the tariff you pay, by the
number of kWh used. This is the cost of your electricity. Add the two monthly
standing charges x 6 and then the VAT to get the total cost of electricity.
Calculating your Heating Energy Consumption and Costs
Calculating the amount of energy used for heating will vary depending on the type of
fuel you use to heat your home.If you use natural gas or electricity the procedure is very
similar to the one shown for electricity. The number of kWh, or "units", and costs are
simply totalled for a one-year period and added to the standing charges and VAT.
The procedure for other fuels is also simple. List all the fuels that you use for heating
- perhaps these include coal or oil - and estimate how much you use in a year. Now
use the Energy Content of Fuels table below to covert the fuel amount purchased
into energy consumed in kWh.
Energy Content of Fuel
Fuel
Unit of Supply
Factor Conversion
Electricity
Heating Oil
Natural Gas
LPG
Coal
Anthracite
Coalite
Peat Briquettes
1 unit =
1 litre =
1 therm =
1 litre =
1 tonne =
1 tonne =
1 tonne =
1 tonne =
1 kwh
10.5 kWh
29.3 kwh
6.9 kwh
8,300 kwh
8,800 kWh
8,400 kwh
5,400 kWh
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Here’s an example of how to calculate the energy consumption and costs for oil fired
central heating:
Average for one year:
Conversion Factor:
Total Energy used :
2600 litres of oil
(From table) 1 litre = 10.56 kWh
2600 x 10.56 = 27,456 kWh
Now add up the amount and cost of heating energy used across all fuels in the
house for a one-year period.
Calculating your House’s Energy Rating
and Cost Rating
Your house’s "energy rating" is a figure that compares your annual energy usage to
the internal floor area of your home. In other words, it measures your annual energy
consumption per square metre of floor area in a particular year. It is quoted as kWh
per m2 per year.
Monitoring & Targeting
Set targets for your energy consumption and costs for the coming year. For example,
if your energy rating is currently 287 kWh per m2 per year, set yourself a target of 250
kWh per m2 per year, next year. A similar target could also be set for the cost rating.
Once a particular project has been completed the information from your energy
bills will highlight your success. Compare the energy used and related cost of the
present period to the same period last year to see if there has been a significant
reduction. At the end of the year, see whether you have reached or surpassed your
targets.
By completing the Home Energy Survey, and/or pursuing your energy rating,
monitoring and targeting, you will probably find that your home becomes more
comfortable and more cost effective with each new project undertaken. You can be
confident too that you will have reduced the emissions of harmful greenhouse
gases from your home – benefiting your environment, your country and the world
as a whole.
To calculate your "energy rating", first estimate the approximate floor area of all the
rooms in the house which are heated. Do not include garages or outhouses unless they
are heated or have high electrical loads - perhaps a tumble dryer or washing machine.
The annual total number of kWh (or units) used for electricity and heating,
calculated previously, are added together. This figure is then divided by the floor
area. This will give you the energy rating for your home, for a particular year.
For example, a house of 120 m2 area, which uses 7,002 kWh of electricity and 27,456
kWh of heating energy in a year, has an energy rating of 287 kWh / m2 per year.
Similarly, having spent m890 on electricity and m985* on heating oil this home will
have a cost rating of m15.61/ m2. If gas is the source of home heating an expenditure
of m686* will result in a lower cost rating of m13.45/m2.
The values you arrive at will depend on how many people occupy your home and
your specific heating patterns. The same is true for the savings you will be able to
make. For example, poorly insulated older houses will benefit substantially more
from additional insulation than newer highly insulated ones.
But whatever type of house you live in, it should be possible to improve your home
energy-rating year on year.For a more detailed calculation of your homes ‘Heat Energy
Rating’ visit www.sei.ie (‘Energy and You’ section).
*Costs are based on approximate energy prices at time of publication. Up to date
energy prices are available from the SEI website at www.sei.ie
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Energy Saving Measures by Cost
Relevant Standards
To summarise the various costs involved in making your home more energy
efficient, we have divided the numerous opportunities under four headings.
Whatever your budget there are energy saving measures you can undertake.
Building Regulations, 2002
Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Energy
Part F: Ventilation
Part J: Heat Producing Appliances
Zero- cost Energy Saving Measures
• Turn down thermostats
• Use timers for hot water or space heating
• Switch off lights/appliances when not in use
• Shower rather than bathe
• Close curtains at night
• Fix leaking taps
• Position fridges and freezers in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat
• Always wash full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher
• Maintain your hot water boiler
Low-cost Energy Saving Measures (up to m150)
These measures typically recoup their cost in 1-2 years
•
•
•
•
•
Insulate your hot water cylinder
Draught seal doors, windows and other gaps
Improve heating and water controls
Replace ordinary light bulbs with with energy saving CFLs
Use lined curtains
ISEN 832 - Thermal performance of buildings - calculation of energy use for building
-residential buildings CEN 1998.
Useful Contacts for Further Information
For information on energy efficiency measures
SEI, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
For information on solar technologies
Energy Research Group, UCD School of Architecture, Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.
Irish Solar Energy Association, 17 Kildare St., Dublin 2.
SEI, Renewable Energy Information Office, Shinagh House, Bandon, Co. Cork.
For information on radon
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, 3 Clonskeagh Square, Dublin 14.
Medium-cost Energy Saving Measures (m150-m450)
These measures typically recoup their cost in 3-4 years
•
•
•
•
Insulate your attic
Consider ground floor insulation options
Central heating controls
Buy energy efficient appliances
ENFO, 17 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2.
For information on insulation
Insulating Contractors Association, Construction Industry Federation,
Federation House, Canal Road, Dublin 6.
For information on building products standards
Long-term Energy Saving Measures (>m450)
These measures are ideally considered when doing renovation/replacement work
•
•
•
•
•
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Cavity wall insulation
Internal wall insulation
External wall insulation
Low-emissivity double-glazing
Solar water heating systems
National Standards Authority of Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
Irish Agrément Board, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
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